This species occurs on the Basse-Terre portion of Guadeloupe, from sea level up to 1,400m asl.

Habitat and Ecology

It is aquatic, living in large and small streams, preferring boulders in reasonably fast-moving waters. It is usually found in rainforest, and also grassy savannahs. It only occurs in disturbed habitats where there are trees along rivers. The eggs are laid on vegetation and in rock crevices, where they develop directly without a larval stage.

Population

It is moderately common in suitable habitats within its small range.

Population Trend

stable

Major Threats

The stream habitat on Guadeloupe is fragile, small in extent, and the habitat continues to decline. The forest is being cleared for agriculture, especially banana plantations, and also for the construction of human settlements; the activities of local fishermen also lead to habitat disturbance. Another major threat is pollution from pesticides used in banana plantations, as well as from domestic sources. Predation from introduced predators, such as rats, cats and mongooses, may also be having an impact on numbers, while the introduced congener Eleutherodactylus johnstonei might be a competitor. Chytridiomycosis has also been recorded as present in some amphibian species on Dominica, and is a serious potential threat to this species.

Conservation Actions

It occurs in Parc National de la Guadeloupe, but the area is not well managed for biodiversity conservation. There is a need to expand and strengthen the existing protected area coverage of Guadeloupe. Furthermore, the species requires careful population monitoring, particularly given the combined likely impact of introduced predators and the potential threat of chytridiomycosis; it may be necessary to establish a captive-breeding programme for this species.

Red List Status

Endangered (EN)

Rationale

Listed as Endangered because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 5,000 km2, its Area of Occupancy is less than 500 km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat on Guadeloupe.